Thyroid Health and Your Toothpaste

There has been a lot of evidence that individuals with fibromyalgia also suffer with thyroid dysfunction. The stress alone from having fibromyalgia is going to have a negative impact on your thyroid. But knowing that the pituitary gland controls the thyroid gland and it’s part of the chain of glands that are affected with fibromyalgia it’s no wonder thyroid dysfunction is prevalent.

If you have an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), your thyroid is releasing too much T4 and T3 into the bloodstream, causing the metabolism to speed up too much. This can lead to Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disease in which antibodies behave like TSH and stimulate the thyroid uncontrollably.

An overactive thyroid can lead to liver damage and heart failure, and even death.

Symptoms of an overactive thyroid include:

Rapid pulse

Tremor (shaking) of the hands

Sweating and sensitivity to heat

Weight loss (despite an increased appetite)

Nervousness, agitation and anxiety

Fatigue

Diarrhoea

Bulging eyes

Goitre

If you have an under-active thyroid (hypothyroidism), your thyroid is releasing too little T4 and T3 into the bloodstream, causing your metabolism to slow down too much. The can lead to Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune disease in which white blood cells and antibodies attack the thyroid gland. Hashimoto’s, if not treated, the metabolism will continue to slow and eventually will ultimately result in death.

Symptoms include:

Lethargy and fatigue

Feeling cold (even on warm days)

Unusual weight gain

Depression

Reduced concentration (brain fog)

Puffiness of the face

Hair loss

Dry skin

Constipation

Goitre

So when I read an article on The Health Avengers concerning 8 toxic ingredients found in your toothpaste that can damage your thyroid. Many things can damage or stress your thyroid and it’s thought that 1 in 13 will have thyroid dysfunction. So, why is it that something that is so commonly used contains several ingredients that can damage such a vital gland?

Triclosan is a powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties, but it’s also been linked to numerous health problems. It impedes the thyroid gland, is likely an endocrine disruptor, and it may cause cancer.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is a common ingredient in toothpaste and another likely cancer contributor. It is a known skin irritant, it pollutes our groundwater, it is toxic to fish and other aquatic animals, and it’s a pesticide and herbicide that is used to kill plants and insects. There have been many studies showing that SLS may contribute to cancer, teeth and gum problems, ulcers, and many other health issues.

Aspartame and Saccharine are artificial sweeteners that often show up in toothpaste formulas have been linked to many serious health problems and should be avoided altogether.

Fluoride is an endocrine disrupter that calcifies the penile gland, and it can reduce thyroid and adrenal gland function. Fluoride increases cancer risk, causes damage to DNA, inactivates enzymes within the body, accelerates aging, disrupts the immune system, and should be avoided both in toothpaste and in water.

Propylene glycol is a form of mineral oil. It’s an alcohol that is produced by fermentation of yeast with certain carbohydrates. Propylene glycol comes in several grades, and it has a variety of uses. Propylene glycol in pharmaceutical grade form is used in many products, including toothpaste, as a solvent or surfactant. Adequate testing has not been done with propylene glycol, but the EPA considers propylene glycol to be so dangerously toxic that it must be handled with gloves, protective clothing, goggles, and proper disposal.

Diethanolamine (DEA), is in products that foam like toothpaste. DEA disrupts hormones and forms cancer-causing nitrates. Dr. Samuel Epstein, professor of environmental health at University of Illinois, states that repeated exposure to skin may lead to increased risk of liver and kidney cancers.

Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol (similar to xylitol) used to sweeten some “health food” products. Some researchers have recently discovered that sorbitol found in chewing gum can cause chronic diarrhea. Very little research has been done on this chemical.

The biggest complaint when it comes to natural toothpaste is the taste followed by not leaving the mouth feeling clean. I’ve tried Toms and was reasonably happy with it, but it is possible to find great tasting toothpaste that does the job without harmful ingredients.

dōTERRA’s On Guard Natural Whitening Toothpaste has a mild, refreshing cinnamon and clove flavor. It’s free of everything on the list above and is boosted with therapeutic essential oils that support immune health, are antimicrobial and also include gum soothing myrrh oil.

This toothpaste is not found in stores but you can order it from your doTERRA rep, or you can message me for more information on how to order it. If interested, I can even send you a sample.

There are a couple of ingredients that might be appear to be suspect, but I'm not worried about thyroid health with them and the amounts are very small. They are carrageenan, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, and titanium dioxide though considered safe is a concern for some as well (research them).

Carrageenan is made from parts of various red algae or seaweeds and is used for medicine.

Carrageenan is used for coughs, bronchitis, tuberculosis, and intestinal problems. The French use a form that has been changed by adding acid and high temperatures. This form is used to treat peptic ulcers, and as a bulk laxative.

Some people apply carrageenan directly to the skin for discomfort around the anus.

In manufacturing, carrageenan is used as a binder, thickening agent, and as a stabilizer in medications, foods, and toothpaste. Carrageenan is also an ingredient in weight loss products.

What it is: Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate is derived from sarcosine, a natural amino acid found in the human body and just about every type of biological material from animals to plants.

What it does: Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate is a cleanser and foam booster that helps with the effectiveness and feel of our toothpaste.

Why we use it: We chose sodium lauroyl sarcosinate because it’s very mild, but also very effective. What’s more, it’s included in the Handbook of Green Chemicals and is also Whole Foods Premium Body Care approved — two stamps of approval that validate our confidence in the safety and sustainability of this ingredient.

Titanium dioxide is listed as a safe pigment, with no known adverse effects when used in cosmetics, and approved by the FDA when 99% pure. It is not listed as a carcinogen, mutagen, teratogen, comedogen, toxin or as a trigger for contact dermatitis in any other safety regulatory publications beside the NIOSH (Antczak, 2001; Physical & Theoretical Chemical Laboratory, Oxford University respectively), with the exception of the recent IARC designation. It is reasonable to conclude then, that titanium dioxide is not a cancer-causing substance unless exposure is beyond safe limits during manufacturing using this substance. It is considered safe for use in foods, drugs, paints and cosmetics.

However, in addition to all the benefits you can receive from the essential oils, they also include hydroxyapatite. This ingredient has been shown to encourage the re-mineralization of teeth. It is a natural occurring mineral and it happens to be the foremost mineral of which your tooth enamel & dentin are made up of.

Do you have a toothpaste brand you would like to recommend or a recipe for a DIY toothpaste that doesn’t include any of the ingredients above? Share your experience and insights in the comments below and help others.

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